National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame | Albany

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York, is one of the premier institutions in the United States dedicated to Thoroughbred horse racing. Founded in 1950 and located directly across from the historic Saratoga Race Course, it preserves and promotes the rich history of the sport and honors its most accomplished figures.

Hall of Fame

The centerpiece of the museum is the Hall of Fame, which recognizes excellence in Thoroughbred racing across several categories:

Over 450 inductees, including:

223 horses, such as Secretariat, Man o’ War, Ruffian, and American Pharoah

110 jockeys, including Bill Shoemaker, Jerry Bailey, and Julie Krone

101 trainers, from Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons to Bob Baffert

44 Pillars of the Turf, honoring significant contributors like owners and breeders

The Hall of Fame experience was redesigned in 2020 and includes a panoramic 360-degree theater with a 16-minute immersive film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame, narrated by Bob Costas. The digital plaques feature biographies, photos, statistics, and videos for each inductee.

Permanent Exhibitions

The museum houses a wide range of exhibits that trace the development and cultural significance of horse racing in the U.S.

Racing Through Time: A chronological look at American Thoroughbred racing history from its colonial beginnings to the present day.

Women in Racing: Celebrates the accomplishments of female jockeys, trainers, and industry figures.

The Anatomy of the Racehorse: Explores the physical makeup and athletic abilities of Thoroughbreds.

The Jockey’s Life: A detailed look at the challenges, dangers, and training regimens faced by jockeys.

Special Exhibitions (2025)

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the museum is presenting:

The Past is Present: 75 Years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
This exhibition highlights the museum’s evolution with artifacts, archival photographs, rare documents, and a look into the changing nature of the sport and its presentation to the public.

Art and Memorabilia

The museum features one of the country’s finest collections of racing-related art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. Works by artists such as Richard Stone Reeves and Franklin Voss are displayed alongside historic trophies, racing silks, saddles, and other memorabilia.

Tours and Programs

The museum offers several tour options and experiences:

Tom Durkin Tour: Led by the famed racecaller, offering insider knowledge and personal anecdotes.

Oklahoma Training Track Tour: A seasonal tour during the Saratoga meet, providing a behind-the-scenes look at morning workouts.

Trifecta Tours: A combination of museum admission, the Oklahoma track tour, and visits to the Saratoga Race Course grounds.

The museum also runs educational programs for schools, families, and racing fans throughout the year.

Events

Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Held every August during the Saratoga race season, featuring public celebrations and the formal induction of new members.

Lectures, film screenings, and community events: Regularly scheduled and open to visitors of all ages.

Hours of Operation

January 15 to June 1: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm

June 2 to September 1: Daily, 9 am to 5 pm

September 3 to December 28: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm

Closed major holidays and select event days.

Admission

Adults (18–64): $20

Seniors (65+): $15

Students (6–18 or college with ID): $10

Children (5 and under): Free

Discounts available for military personnel and select organizations

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame offers a deep and engaging experience for both racing enthusiasts and casual visitors, making it a must-visit attraction in Saratoga Springs.